IDET IntraDiscal ElectroThermal™ (IDET)

IDET IntraDiscal ElectroThermal™ (IDET) is a minimally invasive treatment for select patients with back pain related to disc injury. In certain patients, degenerative changes of the discs in the low back cause tears or cracks in the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. These changes can result in low back pain due to irritation of local nerve fibers.

With IDET, a small catheter is placed into a specific location in the disc and heat energy is delivered. This causes the wall of the disc (the annulus fibrosis) to thicken and contract which results in a decrease in the patient's pain.

All prospective patients undergo a careful history and physical examination. Following this, most patients will have an MRI scan of the low back. If the findings indicate a potential IDET patient, the patient will be brought into the hospital for a test called a discogram. During the discogram, dye is injected into the disc in an attempt to localize the exact source of the pain. If this test is positive, IDET may be an appropriate treatment. The IDET procedure is performed on a separate date.

IDET is generally performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is performed with sedation and local anesthetic. The treatment catheter is inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. The temperature will be gradually raised. At the end of the treatment, the catheter is removed and the patient returns to the recovery area.

Patients are discharged from the hospital with a brace. The brace is to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks. There may be some temporary discomfort after the procedure. This goes away after a few days. Generally, patients will be sent to physical therapy after the procedure. These arrangements will be made either prior to discharge from the hospital or at the first post-procedure office visit. Further recommendations for post-treatment care will be made by the surgeon.